A NEW road is to be named after a heroic south Essex soldier who was killed serving in Afghanistan.

Aaron Lewis Close, part of the Clements Gate Development, in Hawkwell, will be named in the fallen serviceman’s honour at a special ceremony on March 14.

The initiative is part of a Government scheme to name new roads in memory of soldiers killed in the line of duty.

Aaron, 26, from Rochford, was fatally wounded when the gun position he was commanding came under attack in 2008.

The Echo contacted developer David Wilson Homes to suggest the idea of naming a road after Lt Lewis, and Rochford District Council confirmed the plan last July .

Helen Lewis, Aaron’s mother, said: “We are very proud.

It is a very fitting tribute to him and all his friends and family will be there on the day to remember him.”

Lt Lewis was killed while serving with the 29 Commando Regiment of the Royal Artillery in Afghanistan.

Tory MP for Rayleigh and Wickford Mark Francois, who is also Armed Forces Minister, will be present at the ceremony, in which a memorial to Lt Lewis will also be unveiled.

Mrs Lewis added: “It will be nice to think that long after we are gone, the road will still be there and his memory will live on.”